March 19, 2026
After back-to-back top-10 finishes in the American League MVP voting in 2023 and 2024, Baltimore Orioles shortstop
Gunnar Henderson battled through a down year in 2025. Across 651 plate appearances, the 24-year-old hit .274/.349/.438 with 17 home runs, 68 RBI, 85 runs scored, and 30 stolen bases. Henderson's barrel rate dropped from 11.2% to 8.5% in 2025, and his hard-hit rate fell from 53.9% to 49%. As a result, his slugging percentage dipped from .529 to .438. However, injury may have played a role in Henderson's power decline. He suffered an intercostal strain in 2025 Spring Training that did not cause him to miss much time, but still may have impacted his performance at the plate. Entering 2026, Henderson is fully healthy and has more help around him in the Baltimore lineup following the Orioles acquisition of first baseman
Pete Alonso over the winter. Henderson remains an elite fantasy shortstop with the potential for high-level five-category production in 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 19, 2026
Across 70 innings split between the Minnesota Twins and Philadelphia Phillies in 2025, Phillies closer
Jhoan Duran recorded a 7-6 record with a 2.06 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 80 strikeouts, and 32 saves. Despite making 26 fewer appearances with Philadelphia than Minnesota, Duran recorded the same number of saves (16) with both teams. Heading into 2026, the 28-year-old is locked in as the Phillies' closer and could be in line for his most productive MLB season from a saves perspective. While Minnesota often deployed Duran in high-leverage spots outside of the ninth inning, Philadelphia used him as a traditional closer. Duran owns a career K-BB rate of 23.6% and also does a tremendous job of limiting the long ball, as he's allowed a HR/9 of just 0.67 across 254 1/3 career innings. He profiles as an elite closer option for fantasy managers heading into 2026.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
March 19, 2026
Minnesota Timberwolves forward/center
Naz Reid (ankle) is questionable for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers and could miss a second straight contest. If he sits,
Kyle Anderson could see added playmaking opportunities after posting eight points, six assists, and one steal in 22 minutes last game.
Terrence Shannon Jr. may also pick up extra wing minutes after an eight-point effort, while
Joan Beringer could remain in the rotation following a seven-rebound showing in limited action. All three remain difficult to trust for fantasy lineups during the playoffs.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
San Francisco Giants first base prospect
Bryce Eldridge is being sent to minor-league camp on Thursday, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle. Officially, Eldridge was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento despite having an .830 OPS with six RBI and eight runs scored in his 19 Cactus League games this spring. The 21-year-old left-handed slugger also struck out in 19 of his 40 at-bats, so he clearly has some stuff to work on down on the farm to start the 2026 regular season. He'll play first base at Sacramento, but Eldridge will probably be more of a full-time designated hitter whenever he reaches the majors with
Rafael Devers entrenched at first. Eldridge got a cup of coffee in the big leagues last year in 10 games, going 3-for-28 (.107) with no homers, four RBI, seven walks, and 13 strikeouts. He had 25 homers in 102 minor-league games before that, but he also dealt with wrist and hamstring injuries that caused him to miss time. Eldridge is a big power bat with a low floor in 2026 because of his inexperience and high whiff rate. Long-term, though, he's a nice power bat to keep stashed in dynasty/keeper leagues who could get extended run in the Show this year if he stays healthy.
--Keith HernandezSource: San Francisco Chronicle - Susan Slusser
March 19, 2026
New York Mets right-hander
Kodai Senga finished his spring with seven straight scoreless innings in the Grapefruit League, striking out nine and walking one over that stretch, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Senga topped out at 97.3 mph in his outing on Thursday and has been up to 99 mph in the Grapefruit League. The 33-year-old Japanese hurler was an All-Star in 2023 in his first year in the big leagues with an ERA under 3.00 and 202 strikeouts, but he hasn't been quite as good since then, and he's only made a total of 23 starts for the Mets over the last two years due to injuries. Senga was off to a fantastic start in 2025 before injuring his hamstring, struggling upon his return, and being sent to the minors at the end of the year. He looks motivated this spring and has likely secured a spot in the starting rotation going into the 2026 season. Because he ended the year in Triple-A in 2025, Senga could come at a value in fantasy drafts this weekend, although his ADP has been on the rise due to his strong spring. There's a lot to like about Senga and his high-strikeout upside at a reduced cost.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Anthony DiComo
March 19, 2026
New York Knicks guard/forward
Josh Hart (knee) will not play Friday against the Nets due to a right knee issue, opening a spot in the starting lineup.
Landry Shamet is expected to step in after posting nine points with two three-pointers and five rebounds in 37 minutes during his last start, though he remains a fringe fantasy option.
Jordan Clarkson could also see extra run after a 10-point effort in 20 minutes, while
Mohamed Diawara may pick up limited minutes. Clarkson and Diawara remain more watch-list options unless additional injuries open up clearer opportunities.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
New York Knicks guard
Jalen Brunson (ankle/neck) is off the injury report and expected to play Friday against the Nets after missing one game due to ankle injury management and a cervical strain. The All-Star has been a strong fantasy anchor when active, averaging 27.8 points, 8.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 2.2 three-pointers, and 1.4 steals over his last five games. His return should push
Jose Alvarado back to a reserve role, while
Karl-Anthony Towns and
Mikal Bridges may see slightly reduced playmaking duties. Brunson remains a must-start option during the fantasy playoffs.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Utah Jazz guard/forward
Brice Sensabaugh (illness) is out for Thursday's game against the Bucks after erupting for 41 points Wednesday in a loss to Minnesota. His absence should open more scoring chances for rookie forward
Ace Bailey, who posted 17 points with five three-pointers in 25 minutes, making him a strong points and threes streamer during the fantasy playoffs.
Elijah Harkless could also see a bump after finishing with eight points, six rebounds, and two steals in 20 minutes. Bailey remains attractive in fantasy, though Utah's tendency for random rest days adds some risk.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Utah Jazz forward
John Konchar (quadriceps) will miss Thursday's game against the Bucks after returning from a three-game calf injury absence Wednesday and picking up a right quad contusion in his first game back. His absence should open a few extra rotation minutes, with rookie forward
Ace Bailey positioned to benefit after posting 17 points with five three-pointers, two rebounds, two assists, and one block in 25 minutes Wednesday. Bailey profiles as a viable points and threes streamer during the fantasy playoffs, though Utah's tendency for surprise rest days adds some risk.
Cody Williams and
Kyle Filipowski should continue seeing steady minutes with the rotation still thinned by injuries.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks forward
Kyle Kuzma (elbow) is available for Thursday's game against the Jazz after being listed as probable due to a right elbow contusion. Kuzma should continue to see plenty of opportunity with
Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) sidelined, which keeps him on the radar as a points and rebounds streamer despite his inconsistency. He is coming off a quiet three-point performance with two assists and one block in 17 minutes Tuesday.
Bobby Portis and
Ryan Rollins should still handle solid offensive roles, while Kuzma remains more of a risk-reward fantasy option during the playoffs.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks center
Myles Turner (calf) will play Thursday against the Jazz after missing one game, likely sending
Jericho Sims back to a reserve role. Turner has been somewhat inconsistent this season but remains a usable fantasy option when active, especially for managers needing three-pointers from the center spot. He has averaged 10.6 points, 2.2 three-pointers, and 4.6 rebounds over his last five games and finished with 13 points, three three-pointers, and one block in 30 minutes in his last start.
Bobby Portis could see fewer minutes with Turner back, while
Ryan Rollins should continue handling backcourt usage.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Milwaukee Bucks guard
Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Jazz due to right knee synovitis, marking his sixth missed game this month. His absence should keep
Ryan Rollins in a significant role. He has been productive all season, including a recent 19 points, three three-pointers, and four assists in 34 minutes. Rollins remains a very usable fantasy option during the playoffs, especially for managers needing steady scoring and assists.
Ousmane Dieng could also benefit after a 19-point outing with five three-pointers, while
AJ Green should continue seeing steady minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Eric Nehm
March 19, 2026
Cleveland Cavaliers guard
Donovan Mitchell (eye) is out for Thursday's game against the Bulls, with second-year guard
Jaylon Tyson stepping into the starting lineup. Tyson has averaged 14.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in his previous starts this season, putting him on the fantasy radar as a short-term streamer during the playoffs despite managing just two points in his last outing.
Keon Ellis could also see more run after logging eight points and two threes in 24 minutes, while
Dennis Schroder may pick up extra playmaking minutes.
--Brian DailisanSource: Danny Cunningham
March 19, 2026
Toronto Maple Leafs center Auston Matthews (knee) underwent successful MCL surgery and will require 12 weeks of recovery time, the team announced Thursday. Toronto's captain was previously already ruled out for the rest of the 2025-26 regular season. The latest update means that Matthews also won't be available for Team USA for the 2026 IIHF World Championship. For the second consecutive season, Matthews' campaign has been significantly impacted by injury. He played 67 games last season and appeared in 60 games this term, finishing with a career-low 53 points (27 goals, 26 assists). Matthews is expected to be fully healthy in time for training camp in the fall.
--Taavi PailkSource: ESPN
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward
Austin Reaves (forearm) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat after being listed as questionable due to a right forearm contusion. Reaves finished with 14 points, eight assists, and one block in 39 minutes last game, but his 15.4 usage rate shows he takes more of a secondary role when
Luka Doncic and
LeBron James are both active. He remains a solid fantasy hold for assists and efficiency but carries a capped scoring ceiling. Doncic and James should continue dominating the offense.
--Brian DailisanSource: Ryan Ward
March 19, 2026
San Jose Sharks goaltender Yaroslav Askarov (lower body) will remain sidelined on Thursday night against the Buffalo Sabres. He continues to deal with a lower-body injury, missing a fifth consecutive game. The 23-year-old has posted a 19-17-3 record in 40 starts this season, allowing 3.57 goals with a .886 save percentage. Eight of his 19 wins came in November. Due to Askarov's absence, Alex Nedeljkovic is poised to make another start on Thursday night. After winning back-to-back games, Nedeljkovic had a tough night on Tuesday against Edmonton, losing 5-3. He faces another difficult matchup on Thursday against a Sabres team that has just posted a new franchise record with an 11-game road point streak, winning 10 times during that stretch.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 19, 2026
Athletics right-hander
Luis Severino will make the Opening Day start for the team this year in Toronto at the Rogers Centre against the Blue Jays next Friday, March 27, manager Mark Kotsay told Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. It will be Severino's second straight Opening Day assignment with the A's and the third of his career. Severino's fantasy stock is on the decline after he went 8-11 with a 4.54 ERA (4.11 FIP) and 1.30 WHIP with 124 strikeouts, and 50 walks in 162 2/3 innings over 29 starts in his first year in Sacramento. At home at Sutter Health Park, Severino went 2-9 with a 6.01 ERA, really struggling to keep the ball in the yard at the hitter-friendly band box. The 32-year-old Dominican isn't a bad pitcher -- he's made two All-Star teams -- but his upside is limited in a tough pitching environment as he gets closer to the end of his career. He's been more volatile than ever for fantasy managers the last three years of his career, and he's fallen to the No. 139-ranked starting pitcher at RotoBaller. In DFS, we wouldn't recommend Severino on the road against the reigning American League-champion Blue Jays.
--Keith HernandezSource: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
March 19, 2026
San Antonio Spurs guard
Stephon Castle (hip) is out for Thursday's game against the Suns and could also be at risk of missing Saturday's matchup with Indiana. His absence should allow
Devin Vassell to reclaim his usual starting role after missing the previous game, and he is coming off a 20-point outing with four three-pointers and four assists in his last appearance, keeping him firmly in starting fantasy lineups.
Dylan Harper is also worth a look in deeper leagues after putting up 15 points and five assists in 20 minutes off the bench.
Keldon Johnson could see extra scoring chances, while Castle is a hold if healthy.
--Brian DailisanSource: Matt Guzman
March 19, 2026
Brooklyn Nets forward
Michael Porter Jr. (hamstring) is going to be shut down for a few weeks. Porter has been diagnosed with a left hamstring strain that could keep him sidelined for the rest of the regular season. The plan is for Porter to be shut down and re-evaluated in 2-3 weeks. The Nets are playing for lottery odds at this point, so they have little incentive to bring back Porter this season. If he returns after three weeks, Porter would return with only two or three games left anyway. With this news, fantasy managers in redraft formats are likely safe to move on. The absence of Porter should mean increased roles for
Danny Wolf and
Ziaire Williams. Right now, Wolf is the more consistent fantasy option, but both players should have rising value with Porter out.
--Andy WebbSource: Brooklyn Nets
March 19, 2026
Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (lower body) has been ruled out for Thursday's contest against the Chicago Blackhawks. He is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury. Minnesota will head out without Kaprizov for the first time this season. The Russian superstar has totaled a team-high 80 points (38 goals, 42 assists) in 69 appearances. Kaprizov's absence will give Bobby Brink (upper body) a chance to skate on the first line. The former Flyer is back in the lineup after missing four games with an upper-body injury.
--Taavi PailkSource: Minnesota Wild PR
March 19, 2026
Sacramento Kings guard
Nique Clifford (hamstring) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Clifford was tagged as questionable coming into this game due to left hamstring soreness. It'll ultimately force him to miss his first game since October. Fantasy managers should view him as day-to-day ahead of Sunday's game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Malik Monk figures to move into the starting five and have an increased role.
Killian Hayes and
Daeqwon Plowden could also see more run, but Monk is the best fantasy option out of the three.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
The Colorado Rockies announced on Thursday that they reassigned infielder/outfielder
Charlie Condon to minor-league camp. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, as the expectation all along was that Condon would open the 2026 campaign in the minors, most likely at Double-A. The 22-year-old former third overall pick in 2024 out of the University of Georgia had a strong spring training showing, hitting .389 (14-for-36) with three home runs, nine RBI, six runs scored, four walks, and eight strikeouts in 19 Cactus League games. He hit .268/.376/.444 with an .820 OPS, 14 home runs, 58 RBI, and 59 runs scored in 99 games over three minor-league levels in 2025. The Rockies definitely have some playing time up for grabs at the first base position, which looks to be Condon's long-term home in Colorado. If Condon continues to swing a hot bat down on the farm to begin the 2026 season, he'll most likely be in Denver by the summer. He's an intriguing power-hitting first base option to stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for the time being.
--Keith HernandezSource: Rockies Club Information
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Clippers forward
Kawhi Leonard (ankle) will sit out Thursday's game against the Pelicans on the second night of a back-to-back, though he is expected to return Saturday against Dallas. His absence should push
Kris Dunn back into a larger role after he posted nine points, two three-pointers, and one steal in 23 minutes in a recent start.
Jordan Miller could also see a few extra minutes after putting up 13 points and two steals last game, which puts him on the radar in deeper leagues.
Derrick Jones Jr. and
John Collins may also see slight bumps, while Leonard remains a must-start when active.
--Brian DailisanSource: Justin Russo
March 19, 2026
Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch (illness) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the San Jose Sharks. He sat out Tuesday's win over Vegas due to illness. Tuch is projected to be part of the first line with Zach Benson and Tage Thompson and will see action on the second power-play unit. Buffalo has received solid production from Tuch all season, as the 29-year-old sits just a few points away from registering his second consecutive 60-point season. He has amassed 28 goals and 29 assists in 65 games, failing to make the score sheet just once in his last eight outings.
--Taavi PailkSource: NHL.com
March 19, 2026
Phoenix Suns guard
Grayson Allen (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Thursday's game against the San Antonio Spurs. This marks the second game in a row that Allen will miss due to left knee soreness. Fantasy managers should consider him questionable ahead of Saturday's contest versus the Milwaukee Bucks. The absence of Allen should mean possibly larger roles for
Collin Gillespie and
Jordan Goodwin, while
Ryan Dunn should stay in the rotation. Gillespie is the best fantasy option out of the bunch, with Goodwin and Dunn offering deep league value.
--Andy WebbSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers guard
Luka Doncic (hip) will play Thursday against the Heat despite dealing with minor soreness, keeping the superstar active during a critical stretch of the fantasy playoffs. Doncic is coming off a dominant 40-point performance with nine rebounds and 10 assists in 38 minutes against Houston, reinforcing his elite first-round fantasy value. Managers should continue to treat him as a locked-in lineup cornerstone.
LeBron James should continue sharing high usage, while
Austin Reaves (forearm) could see fewer playmaking chances if his injury allows him to suit up.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
New York Rangers center Noah Laba (lower body) won't play on Thursday against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Mollie Walker of the New York Post reports. He is forced to exit the lineup after sustaining a lower-body injury in Wednesday's loss to the New Jersey Devils. Laba has enjoyed a good debut campaign on a struggling team, collecting 21 points (nine goals, 12 assists) in 65 games. The Rangers will use Jonny Brodzinski as Laba's replacement in the lineup on Thursday. The 32-year-old has posted 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 43 appearances and doesn't have significant fantasy value.
--Taavi PailkSource: Mollie Walker
March 19, 2026
Detroit Pistons guard
Daniss Jenkins will move into the starting five ahead of Thursday's game against the Washington Wizards. Jenkins should get a heavier look down the stretch of the season with
Cade Cunningham (lung) set to miss an extended period of time. The second-year guard finished with 15 points and seven assists across 21 minutes of action during Tuesday's game. As a starter, Jenkins is averaging 14.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.9 rebounds in 31.4 minutes per game across eight starts. The 24-year-old should be a popular pickup with Cunningham unlikely to play again this season. Jenkins has enough upside to warrant snagging off the waivers for fantasy managers in the middle of the playoffs.
--Andy WebbSource: Omari Sankofa II
March 19, 2026
Los Angeles Lakers forward
LeBron James (foot) is available for Thursday's game against the Heat after being listed as questionable on the second night of a back-to-back. The 41-year-old continues to produce at an elite level, finishing with 30 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block in 34 minutes in Wednesday's win over Houston. He remains a must-start fantasy anchor during the playoffs given his workload and all-around production.
Luka Doncic should continue sharing primary usage, while
Austin Reaves (forearm) could see slightly fewer on-ball reps with James active.
--Brian DailisanSource: NBA Injury Report
March 19, 2026
Detroit Red Wings forward Andrew Copp (lower body) is ready to rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Montreal Canadiens, Ansar Khan of MLive.com reports. Copp has missed three games due to a lower-body injury and was initially considered a game-time decision. The veteran forward will skate with Marco Kasper and Mason Appleton on the third line, though he could also receive some top-six usage due to Dylan Larkin's (leg) continued absence. Copp has had points in four of his last five appearances, boosting his total to 37 points (eight goals, 29 assists) in 65 games this season.
--Taavi PailkSource: Ansar Khan
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